It's considered one of the worst atrocities in modern wartime history and its it's affected many right here in New Mexico.
Sunday, thousands took part to honor heroes, some lost and some who made it through.

"I can't explain how I feel about it, it's really touching," said William Eldridge, a Bataan Death March survivor.

Eldridge is one of a few still living.

"It's a real honor. I really enjoy coming here. I drive from Sacramento each year," he said.

It was April 10, 1942, when the Japanese assembled around 78,000 prisoners of war in the Philippines, and had them trudge over 60 miles. About 66,000 were Filipino. Around 12,000 were Americans.

"These soldiers who were in the Bataan Death March suffered a very grueling experience. Many died. If they lived, they were imprisoned in war camp for three and a half years," said Monte Marlin, chief of public affairs at White Sands Missile Range.

The P.O.W.s suffered unspeakable hardships. For days, they trekked through the scorching heat of the Phillipine jungle. They were given no food, no water and no rest. Those who couldn't keep up, were killed on the spot. Others were killed for no reason at all.

"This is about commemorating heroism, military service and remembering the greatest generation," said Marlin.

Nearly 6,000 people made their way out for the 24th annual march at White Sands Missile Range. The 26.2-mile march honors the thousands who perished and gives a small taste of what these heroes went through.

"It's a promise that I made to my son and he passed away a couple of years ago and so I do it in his memory," said Rudy Checkley, First Sgt. with the New Mexico National Guard.

Around 1,800 national guardsmen also known as the "New Mexico Brigade" were deployed to the Philippines during WWII. About half of them died there. Some in battle, some during their capture or right after being freed from the war camp.

"They sacrificed so much for our country and, you know, the freedoms I have today are because of these people and so it's a great honor for me to come and meet them," said Kevin Finch, from Hillsborough, N.M.